Mapsource without a GPS

For all of you who have a GPS on the way but have maps or tracks you'd like to play with, this could be your ticket. Found this tip on another moto board. It came via a mapmakers forum so don't know the original source to give credit to.

If you don't have any map data (City Nav, Topo, whatever), you aren't going to get any roads or geography, but you should be able to download tracks and view them. Or if you have your maps already, but haven't gotten your GPS delivered, this will give you the ability to install the maps and work with them.

Try at your own risk. Since I do have Mapsource already installed, I can't replicate the process. But the source I heard about it from is very reliable, so I bet it works.

Here's the trick:

Post up your experience if this works for you.

Dave

My company paid out Profit Sharing this week so I in turn bought a Garmin 60CSX...enroute from Amazon...I'll let you know how it works out.

**Update** Total noob here, the install worked and MapSource fired up without issues...now what do I do??????? Danger, Learning curve ahead....

MikeH

Glad to hear that worked.

At this point, you can't really do anything worthwhile unless you have some map data, or download some gpx files from the regional forums above. Hopefully you bought some map data with your gps so you aren't relying on the base map on the 60 for any significant navigating.

Dave

Thanks Dave-950...I have downloaded the following gpx files...

Va ride: Haymarket to Crozet

Passport to Virginia Wineries - Thanks Freak

They Import/Open in Mapsource without issue....boy, this GPS thing is gonna be fun Can't wait to actaully get the unit and begin the adventures...

MikeH

i tried it. works just fine. thanks for the tip. i was trying to win an older copy of mapsource form e-bay and was not having much luck. thanks again.

cyclepath

Cool - and just to be clear. The Mapsource "operating" program comes with every map data disk, like Roads & Rec, Topo, etc.

What's required has been a GPS to install and use the program and data. Once Mapsource is installed, you don't need the GPS every time you want to use Mapsource.

This tip allows you to do the install without the GPS present for the initial install.

Dave

Just got a new laptop and have not yet installed my maps or Mapsource. Took the opportunity to try this trick. Worked just fine. The latest version of Mapsource even has a really basic world basemap. Pretty cool.

Dave

Yes, the program works great. By the way, if you already have a Garmin program installed you may have problems. Here is a cut/paste from another thread that solved my problems:

Download your FREE (legal) copy of Garmin's "MapSource: Waypoint Manager" as such:

1. Download and install "Garmin training center for either MAC or Windows" (HERE)

2. Download and install "Garmin Mapsource Update" (HERE)<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
<o></o>
<o></o>
<o></o>
IF THIS IS YOU:
I have Mapsource (Topo, Metroguide, ect... )....after installing it I get an error that says "There is a problem with the MapSource Registry. Please re-install MapSource and start it again" when I run it.

I have uninstalled, repaired, re-installed about a dozen times and continue to get this message.


HERE'S YOUR ANSWER:
First, uninstall all MapSource products using the "Add / Remove Programs"
(If you haven't already done so)


Then edit your computer's registry manually as follows:


Click "START" - select "RUN"
Type in "REGEDIT" (without the quotation marks)
Click "OK"

Click on the following "+" signs in the following order:
+ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
+ SOFTWARE

Under the "Software" key, locate the "Garmin" key.
Click on the "Garmin" key to highlight it and press "delete"

THEN, click on:
+ HKEY_CURRENT_USER
+ SOFTWARE

Under the "Software" key, locate the "Garmin" key.
Click on the "Garmin" key to highlight it and press "delete"


Close the registry editor

Re-install your MapSource programs


It worked out great.

Might want to try a lighter font

Yes, I know. As this was my first post I can definitely say it was a "Noob" post.

By the way, you can download free US and Canada maps here:
http://www.ibycus.com/ibycususa/

These seem to work OK. I will see how they load when my 60CSx comes in.

Fixst it for you.

The Edit button in the lower right hand part of the screen is your friend.

Dave

Seems to be a cool fix to not having the maps to begin with! Way too much to learn, need a long day and a couple of beverages...

This worked like a champ on my discontinued Garmin GPS 76. Garmin website offered ZERO help on what to do with this device, how to download waypoints, etc.

Worked with the supplied cable, no USB required, downloaded all route waypoints and data.

Cool. Thanks.

I downloaded both programs and when trying to run mapsource I get an error message that reads "Windows imaging component is missing or corrupted. Mapsource could not be started"

Any tips?

I got a Nuvi 500, which does not come with MapSource.

I found those instructions a while back and have had no problem using MapSource after following them.

-Cat

Which Windoz version? If it's XP, you need Service Pack 3.

This seems to no longer work. When I download the Mapsource update a popup says "No Mapsource product found, install terminated"

According to the guys on Yahoo Map-authors it still works with the previous version of Training Center. Available here http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=5293

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/map_authors

Just did this today on a Mac.

Installed Training Center first, then Basecamp... Note that the links from this thread prompt you to instal Basecamp, not MapSource...

But it works.

Was wondering what this was all about in the first place... :huh

Mapsource is a stand-alone program. I have been using Mapsource for close to 10 years. You have NEVER needed to have a GPS in order to use it. Maps, yes. GPS, no.

Personally, I STILL prefer Mapsource over Basecamp. Mapsource loads instantly and is very responsive. Basecamp is a bloated slug, comparatively.